Advice on creating a website.

[denmansoft]

Eddie:
For a logo you want something simple that people can visually remember you by. It doesn't have to visually resemble what you do. A Stylized EW can work real well. Look at all the large corp logos. Very few actually tell anything about what the company does.
Make sure the logo also works in Black and white!

Website:
Find one or two that have a style you like and are SIMPLE to use. Then get someone to help you get a basic template for that style. TBN is a good example... there is a lot of stuff on these pages and it took a while for the designers to figure out a style and layout that works. They didn't use Flash and other things that only work if all your users keep their computers right up to date.
Local colleges and or students would probably be a good place to go. Get a clear definition of what is most important for your site.

Make sure all the stuff (emails inlcuded) on your site uses your domain name 'edwardwalker.net' this makes your site portable. You will want to have a copy of your site on your own computer so you can easily move EdwardWalker.net to a new hosting if you run into problems.

All the emails mentioned on your website should go to a company emailbox(s), not your personal emailbox. This keeps the spam out of your personal mailbox. You can then periodically reveiw the stuff from the website at your leisure.

 

[weldingisfun]

I'll throw in my $.02 at this point fon the logo for your remodeling business. I agree with everyone that is needs to be simple but yet something people will recognize easily.

How about a stylized EWR for Eddie Walker Remodeling?

 

[rtdiggr]

Just my .02 cents. I to was looking into a web site. And yes it would simple. I know i could do it myself, but i went into one web design store. The guy was really helpful.

He was telling me things about key words and how to get recognized not just have a web site BUT get noticed.

For ie. if someone googled contractors in your area you would want to be one of the first names to pop up on the screen. [i have no idea how to make this happen but he did].

Also this firm would monitor if the site was getting hits and if not why and what he could do to make it get noticed.

I would have the ability to monitor my hits and change my info.

I could go on but for $1000 with design registration upkeep monitoring etc. this would be a no brainer for me.

My SIL on the other hand will be spending lets just say several thousands of dollars [and then some] for her web site, just depends on wants and needs.

Shane

 

[EddieWalker]

Just a few more things that come to mind from reading everyones replies.

I do not want email as part of this. One thing that I've learned first hand and from some people that I know is that people will send emails all the time asking "how much" without giving enough information to reply to. In my business, I have to see the job and meet the client face to face to know what needs to be done, what they really want and to what level of finish they are expecting. Some are looking for a repair or upgrade with a very small budget, others want to create something unique with a much larger budget. Some like all the extras, while others are into clean and simple. Until I go to their home and see what it looks like, I don't know anything about the job. A phone number is all that I will provide for them to contact me. Once we get to talking, I can decide if it's a job that I'll do, that I'm capable of and if I have the time to do it. I can also arrange a time to meet them.

As of now, I don't really want or care about using this to market new clients surfing the web. I'm pretty busy on word of mouth clients, with most of my jobs not needing the site at all. Of the last dozen or so jobs that I did, they never looked at my website. They call me because their friend gave them the recommendation and they hire me because of our face to face meeting.

The website is mostly for those clients that like to do a little research before the hire somebody and those who I've never met, but might have seen one of my signs in somebodies front yard, or something like that.

Spending $1,000 to create this doesn't make any sense right now since I'm already booked up so far out. I'm at what has so far proven to be the max people will wait for me. Around four months. I have three meetings next week with new people that I've never met before, but are friends of other clients.

I'm really just looking for a photo album type of website that I can show off some of what I've done in an organized way. I want to have different categories with allot of pictures and comments. And of course, I want it to look professional.

I'm unsure of using my initials for the logo. That seems pretty common here. There are several construction companies that I've seen with this, and none of them really stand out to me. I don't need anything all that unique, but more along the lines of a way to add some color to my business cards and letter heads that is pleasing to look at and gives the client a nice feeling about me.

Maybe the outline of the State of Texas with a house in the middle of, or an interesting looking tool that indicates craftsmanship and quality? I'm still pretty lost on this.

Eddie

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm looking through the BBB catalog for my area and some of the companies websites. I'm not sure if I want to join the BBB or not, but gave them my card and will listen to what they say when they call me.

One website software company that I just found that looked pretty good ishttp://www.ewisoft.com/

The site looked good and their was allot of ways to create categories for pictures, then folders for jobs in each category.

I've only looked at a few of the links so far, you guys have overwhelmed me with your help. Thank you!!!!

Eddie

 

[rtdiggr]

As you know Eddie referrals are the best [and cheapest way] to get jobs. And you seem to be doing pretty good there.

With the pics you put up earlier i am sure you could get a site going yourself.

I realize now exposer to a site is not your most important objective. If you make a site now [with no rush to get it done] and you find you need more exposure i am sure you can always have a co run it later.

Shane

 

[KentT]

Eddie,

I agree with your perspective of basically allowing a potential customer (who's discovered you by word-of-mouth, a sign, etc.) being able to research you a bit more before contacting you. Then, have them call, not email...

So, I think the "Project Portfolio" approach of lots of before/after pictures and written descriptions (including cutomer testimonials), categorized by the different type of projects is the way to go...

As far as some concepts for your logo, I'd think about hand-tools (hand-plane, etc.) that communicates hand-crafted, and overall craftsmanship... that's what you bring to the equation as much as it is your skills. You're selling your creativity and your brainpower, not your equipment, muscles or low price...

Now when it comes time for creating a web-site for your RV park, you'll need to focus on getting the attention of new customers from far, far away -- but that's a different requirement for another day...

My two cents...

 

[MossRoad]

...
I'm really just looking for a photo album type of website that I can show off some of what I've done in an organized way. I want to have different categories with allot of pictures and comments. And of course, I want it to look professional....
Eddie

Eddie,
By "comments" do you want people to have the ability to post comments about your pictures, or do you just want to post the comments yourself?

I ask, because if all you want to do is post comments yourself, that is the simplest of simple web sites to create.

On the other hand, if you want people to interact with the website and be able to comment on your photos, that requires more work to set up, AND you will have to screen the comments or some looney will post garbage up there without you knowing.

 

[EddieWalker]

I want to be able to post comments on the pictures that I post. Some of the before pictures show some things that I like to point out. Then you can see in my finished pictures how I fixed those problems.

There is no reason for others to post any comments on the site.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[Alan L.]

The game of chess is easy. Becoming proficient enough to win is very difficult. Web pages are easy, if you mean making something appear on a website. Do yourself a favor and hire a professional.

An amateur website makes you look like an amateur contractor. Websites done on the cheap by beginners stick out like a sore thumb.

I designed two websites for the business in which I am a partner, but it was only when I realized that I should do what I'm good at and let others who are good at website design and the marketing aspects of web presence do their magic that our website became our major source of new business.

This is like your store front. Make it professional. Its frankly doesn't cost that much.

They can be designed where it is easy for you to add projects, pictures, and keep it updated.

Once the website is online, market it. Make sure people are actually seeing the website. Its not worth anything if it doesn't get traffic.

Just my 2 cents.